Chavez. He can consistently put together an entire year, while Blalock is still a first half player. Once Blalock shows he can put together an entire season like his first halfs, he will be a monster in that park with that lineup.

It's seriously a toss up at this point in time. Blalock is on a faster curve though when you actually sit down and analyze their career progression.

Contrary to what most people in this forum believe, Blalock was on his way to a monster season until wrist injury slowed him down in 04. He would have shattered Chavez's career highs in virtually every category at the pace he was in by the All Star Break.

Also, Blalock hit just fine against lefties in only his second full season, posting a batting average of .280+.

Most people are down on him due to his collapse in 04. But he has a much higher ceiling than Chavez especially considering his age, progression, ball park and line up support. Hope that answers your question.

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." ~George Carlin

Yoda wrote:Most people are down on him due to his collapse in 04. But he has a much higher ceiling than Chavez especially considering his age, progression, ball park and line up support. Hope that answers your question.

I agree that he's got a much much higher ceiling, but for the next 2-3 seasons I think Chavez is the safer pick.

I'd actually go w/ Blalock of the two as I think that he will improve this year and I'm thinking that Oakland may simply not get as many guys on base for RBI purposes as the Rangers will and, w/ the 'casualties' on their pitching staff, the team won't be as 'up' which would be likely to hurt Chavez' numbers. This is all theoretical but that's the vibe I've got on that position.

Yoda wrote:Most people are down on him due to his collapse in 04. But he has a much higher ceiling than Chavez especially considering his age, progression, ball park and line up support. Hope that answers your question.

I agree that he's got a much much higher ceiling, but for the next 2-3 seasons I think Chavez is the safer pick.

Based on what do you think that Chavez will be better than Blalock for the next 2-3 years?

Blalock in only his second full season, playing through an injury and already started hitting lefties. Also posted a .300 average in a season which Chavez hasn't even come close to doing.

They are both phenomenal hitters and I honestly think that both are set up for a big 05 season.

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." ~George Carlin